John Sykeshttp://www.guitarworld.com/taxonomy/term/1905/all
enThe Top 10 Pick Squealers of All Timehttp://www.guitarworld.com/top-10-pick-squealers-all-time
<!--paging_filter--><p>There has always been a good deal of mystery surrounding the pinch harmonic, or, as hip players like to call it, “pick squeal.” </p>
<p>A pick squeal is simply an artificial harmonic, or high-pitched sound, produced by choking up on the pick and allowing the thumb or thumbnail to catch the string in just as it is picked. </p>
<p>The result, of course, resembles a squeal. Or a squawk. Or a scream. (It could take several tries before you get the desired s word.)</p>
<p>Anyhow, what was once the domain of blues-rock string benders is now a staple for most metal guitarists. </p>
<p>Here be the dudes who made it so.<br />
<br /><br />
<strong>10. Greg Howe</strong> </p>
<p>Sure, he’s moved on to smoother and faster fusion pastures, but early on in his rock career, velocity merchant Greg Howe used the pinch harmonic like it was going out of style. Listen to <em>Howe II</em> to hear him bend notes into frequencies perceptible only by canines. Sure, it went out of style. But it came back.<br />
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<strong>09. John Sykes</strong> </p>
<p>A speed freak of the scalar variety, Sykes really showed his know-how for the squeal upon joining Thin Lizzy for their 1983 swan song <em>Thunder and Lightning</em>. </p>
<p>The repeated, howling fills in “Cold Sweat” were the precursor of the exaggerated squeals that became rampant in metal guitar playing during the decade. Later, Sykes would Top 40-fy the technique on Whitesnake’s “Still of the Night.”</p>
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<strong>08. Shadows Fall</strong> </p>
<p>Jonathan Donais and Matthew Bachand haven’t merely led the return of melodic thrash to the America. No. </p>
<p>They’ve punctuated their intricate leads with pinch harmonics, helping to bring the technique back into prominence in extremely heavy music. It’s like havin’ Zakk Wylde and John Sykes in one band!<br />
<br /><br />
<strong>07. Skid Row</strong> </p>
<p>A Skid Row song without a scream or 300 from the guitar just wasn’t complete. In fact, the band’s self-titled debut may have more pick squeals than Van Halen had David Lee Roth squeals. And speaking of frontmen, the pinch harmonics of guitarists Scotti Hill and Snake Sabo were the antidote Sebastian Bach Eighties-metal wailing.<br />
<br /><br />
<strong>06. Eddie Van Halen</strong> </p>
<p>Look no further than Van Halen’s landmark debut. With his aggressive pick attack, Ed sounds almost as if he’s using some weird wah-wah effect when he pinches the strings in the hyperboogie riffs of “I’m the One” and “Jamie’s Crying.” </p>
<p>And how about the opening riff of “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love”? Rock guitar changed at this point.</p>
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<strong>05. Dimebag Darrell</strong> </p>
<p>By the time Pantera made the transformation to Metallica-inspired power metal, the Dime had moved from inserting EVH squeals in his solos to writing riffs around pinch harmonics, as in “Cemetary Gates.” </p>
<p>When that song came out, death-metal bands immediately started taking their cues from Mr. Abbott.</p>
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<strong>04. Steve Vai</strong></p>
<p>The Big V has been making weird guitar noises since his infancy—when Frank Zappa’s wolf pack adopted and raised him. </p>
<p>But it all came together, pinchwise, on <em>Flexable</em>’s chromatic <em>tour de force</em> “Attitude Song.” </p>
<p>Later, Vai merged commercial success, whammy bar, and pick squeals on David Lee Roth’s version of “Tobacco Road,” and the technique all but dominated the boogie tune “Juice,” from <em>Alien Love Secrets.</em></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/f0-OvL2pHsM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br /><br />
<strong>03. Roy Buchanan</strong></p>
<p>The late and lamented Buchanan gets credit for inventing the technique, back in the Sixties. The way he laid into his strings made it so that virtually every bend had a harmonic overtone of some sort. </p>
<p>Yep, he was chicken pickin’, and the notes they were squawkin’. Some of his most over-the-top pinch harmonics—produced without the aid of ridiculous distortion—can be found on the album <em>Live Stock</em>.</p>
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<strong>02. Zakk Wylde</strong> </p>
<p>A 19-year-old feller rejuvenates Ozzy’s band by twisting steroid-enhanced riffs into “Miracle Man” and interspersing pick squeals in just about any gap that opens up. </p>
<p>Wylde realized he was onto something; the technique is now integral to his rowdy playing style. Indeed, when he touches off his A squeal, it sounds as though the string is screaming for help.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gkeFtDVCZMo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<strong>01. Billy Gibbons</strong> </p>
<p>The fact that The Beard sustained a large portion of his “La Grange” solo with harmonic squeals puts him in the books as a master of the technique. The fact that song is a tribute to a house of ill repute makes the sound effects—the squeals—ever more appropriate.</p>
<p>According to lore, Gibbons attains his signature squeals by picking with an old coin. The thicker the pick, the louder the squeal louder, or so they say.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SE1xO44FlME" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/top-10-pick-squealers-all-time#commentsBilly GibbonsDimebag DarrellEddie Van HalenGreg HoweJohn SykesRoy BuchananSteve VaiGuitar World ListsNewsFeaturesWed, 10 Dec 2014 17:34:40 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/2008Bent Out of Shape: Blue Murder Remastered and Reloadedhttp://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-blue-murder-remastered-and-reloaded
<!--paging_filter--><p>This week, I wanted to take a break from my lesson-style blog posts and take a moment to review a special release, or rather, re-release, I just received in the mail. </p>
<p>Imported from England via Rock Candy records, is the newly remastered debut album from power trio/supergroup Blue murder. The band was by formed by guitarist John Sykes and featured bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice.</p>
<p>This also was the first album to feature Sykes as a lead vocalist, which, combined with his songwriting established him as a prominent band leader. The album, originally released in 1989, wasn't a commercial success. But over the past 25 years, it has developed a cult following and should be required listening for any rock/metal musician.</p>
<p>Musically, the album has a lot to offer, particularly for guitarists. To describe Sykes' style, I'd say his solos combine speed and melody with flawless execution and pitch-perfect vibrato. As an example, check out this song from the album:</p>
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<p>As for the remaster, I would say sonically the album is much louder than the original. The music sounds identical, which is good considering the production was handled by Bob Rock and mixed by Mike Fraser. To remix the album wouldn't make much sense as the original mixes are superb. Bringing the volume up to the level of modern-day music is a welcomed change.</p>
<p>There are, however, a few issues. The first is a misprint in the track listing, which lists an extra track. I had hoped this was a new bonus track, but this wasn't the case. Secondly, the remaster boasts a 3,500-word essay and a new interview with Sykes. As far as I can tell, there is no interview, just a few quotes from Sykes in the essay by rock journalist Malcolm Dome. I also suspect these quotes may have been taken from old interviews, but I can't be sure. I would also have liked to hear from the other musicians involved, but upon investigation found out they didn't even know about the remaster. Having said that, the essay is well written and interesting, particularly for those unfamiliar with the story behind the band's formation.</p>
<p>Those issues aside, this is a phenomenal album and a worthwhile purchase. Cream was the first supergroup, and Blue Murder draw many parallels with each member being highly respected and accomplished in their own right. Of course, Sykes was always the driving force behind the music, but the dynamic between all three members is one the biggest strengths of the album. It had such a dramatic impact on me that I sought Appice and Franklin for my own music. Blue Murder may not have been a commercial success, but now, almost 25 years later, the album is still of interest and continues to be an influence for rock/metal musicians.</p>
<p>In addition, this re-master serves as a nice prelude for Sykes, who is working on a new album set for release later this year. Nowadays he releases music under his own name, but recently Tony Franklin was confirmed as a guest on the new album. For more information, check out Sykes' new website, <a href="http://johnsykes.com/">johnsykes.com</a>. As a fan of Sykes and Blue Murder I am really looking forward to this release. Cheers!</p>
<p><em>Will Wallner is a guitarist from England now living in Los Angeles. He recently signed a solo deal with Polish record label Metal Mind Productions for the release of his debut album, which features influential musicians from hard rock and heavy metal. He also is the lead guitarist for White Wizzard (Earache Records) and in 2012 toured Japan, America and Canada. Follow Will on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wallnervain">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/willwallner">Twitter</a>.</em></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-blue-murder-remastered-and-reloaded#commentsBent Out of ShapeBlue MurderJohn SykesWill WallnerBlogsMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:57:00 +0000Will Wallnerhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/18275Bent Out of Shape: John Sykes is Back!http://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-john-sykes-back
<!--paging_filter--><p>I woke up this morning to some very good news. John Sykes just updated <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Sykes-Official/214946145254598">his official Facebook page</a>. </p>
<p>It looks like he's working on a new album that will hopefully be released soon. For those of you who know Sykes, you already know he is a phenomenal guitar player, singer and songwriter. For those who don't, here's a quick history lesson.</p>
<p>Sykes is an English rock guitarist whose first big gig was with Thin Lizzy and the <em>Thunder and Lightning</em> album. He then joined Whitesnake and wrote and recorded their most successful album, <em>1987.</em> </p>
<p>Following this, he formed the power trio Blue Murder and fronted the band as singer and guitarist with Carmine Appice on drums and Tony Franklin on bass. In the '90s he began releasing music under his own name. His most recent original release was <em>Nuclear Cowboy</em>. This was released more than 10 years ago, which is why the news of a new Sykes album is very exciting.</p>
<p>In anticipation of his new album, I want to give you some suggested listening. I'm going to focus on his solo material, which is less well known than his work with bigger bands. Here are five Sykes songs that should get you pumped for his new album. </p>
<p>01. <strong>"Soul Stealer"</strong>: The opening track from his first solo album, <em>Out of My Tree</em>. It's a pretty simple hard rock song with one of the most ferocious guitar solos ever recorded! </p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTxBhBhyQ6s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>02. <strong>"I Don't Wanna Live My Life Like You"</strong>: This is also from <em>Out Of My Tree,</em> and it's one of his best-known solo songs. The title says it all, the lyrics are rebellious and the song has a catchy punk feel.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jKkIAfkLM8A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>03. <strong>"Look In His Eyes"</strong>: From <em>20th Century</em>, this is another song with strong melody and lyrics. At the end of the guitar solo, listen how he uses his control of pinch harmonics to make his guitar sound like a siren. On a side note, Sykes was doing pinch harmonics with wide vibrato way before Zakk Wylde made it his trademark.</p>
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<p>04. <strong>"We Will"</strong>: This is the opening track from <em>Nuclear Cowboy</em>. The album surprised a lot of fans with the use of samples and drum machines. The production may have been different, but the core Sykes trademarks of melody, tone and feel are all there. This song is built around a riff that's very creative and not your typical stock guitar riff. The song builds tension until the guitar solo break which is the perfect release.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/48RCn4j_7qo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>05. <strong>"Arc Angel"</strong>: Another song from <em>Nuclear Cowboy</em> that has strong vocal melody and some very creative guitar work. He also uses a Theremin and includes layers of texture within the song. </p>
<p>Like all of my favorite guitar players, Sykes has a strong sense of melody, great guitar tone and a unique style. I hope his new album comes out soon and will gain some momentum. He deserves a great deal of respect as a musician, and I would love to see him make a full comeback. Cheers!</p>
<p><em>Will Wallner is a guitarist from England now living in Los Angeles. He recently signed a solo deal with Polish record label Metal Mind Productions for the release of his debut album, which features influential musicians from hard rock and heavy metal. He also is the lead guitarist for White Wizzard (Earache Records) and in 2012 toured Japan, America and Canada. Follow Will on <a href-"http://www.facebook.com/wallnervain">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/willwallner">Twitter</a>.</em></p>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-john-sykes-back#commentsBent Out of ShapeJohn SykesThin LizzyWhitesnakeWill WallnerBlogsFri, 21 Dec 2012 15:49:11 +0000Will Wallnerhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/17445Richie Kotzen to Replace John Sykes in New Mike Portnoy Project?http://www.guitarworld.com/richie-kotzen-replace-john-sykes-new-mike-portnoy-project
<!--paging_filter--><p>Earlier today, MelodicRock.com reported that former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes has pulled out of a planned collaboration with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy (now with Adrenaline Mob) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big). </p>
<p>No reason was given for his departure, but it certainly seemed clear that a new guitarist would be sought ASAP.</p>
<p>An update came this afternoon, when MelodicRock.com reported that Richie Kotzen of Mr. Big and Poison would be replacing Sykes.</p>
<p>However, Kotzen had this to say on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/richiekotzenmusic">his Facebook page</a> later today:</p>
<p>"Although we did throw some ideas around, neither of us decided to make any public announcements so today's Internet buzz was a surprise. I will say I am a fan of both Mike and Billy. I'm sure a collaboration would produce some interesting results."</p>
<p>Stay tuned for more concrete details about this project as things develop.</p>
<p>Portnoy, who was one of several celebs we spotted at NAMM last week, has another new project in the works -- a band called <a href="http://flyingcolorsmusic.com/">Flying Colors</a> that features Steve Morse, Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Dixie Dregs bassist Dave LaRue and vocalist Casey McPherson. Their debut album is due March 27.</p>
<p>“This album has bits and pieces of what you’d expect from each of us,” Portnoy told MelodicRock.com. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, uncharted territory for everyone involved.”</p>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/richie-kotzen-replace-john-sykes-new-mike-portnoy-project#commentsAdrenaline MobBilly SheehanDream TheaterJohn SykesMike PortnoyRichie KotzenWhitesnakeNewsWed, 25 Jan 2012 22:08:07 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/14320